Iranian warships enter Suez Canal

Two Iranian naval vessels have entered the Suez Canal, officials have said.

Canal chiefs say the ships – a frigate and a supply vessel – entered the canal early on Tuesday and are expected to reach the Mediterranean later in the day.

This marks the first time in three decades that Iranian military ships have travelled the strategic waterway that links the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.

Israel has made clear it views the passage as a provocation.

Iranian officials say the ships are heading to Syria for a training mission.

Damascus is a close ally of Iran’s hardline Islamic rulers and an arch enemy of Israel.